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Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas, has enjoyed a long, “wonder-filled” tradition of expressing God’s love through a wide variety of creative musical forms. Through the years, a continuing ministry at Trinity has been to nurture youth and adults alike in their love and working knowledge of music and its various forms of expression.

In 1983, a new medium of expression was introduced with the gift of two octaves of Malmark handbells. That farsighted initial gift would eventually lead to two sets of handbells, one 3 ½ octaves, the other nearly seven, and six octaves of Choirchimes. At any given time, the program is comprised of 50 plus members.

Bell choirs are organized by age, interest, or skill levels, and include Joy Ringers, grades 3-5; Jubilee Ringers, grades 6-8; Spirit Ringers, high school/college; and Celebration Ringers, adults of all ages. Groups, such as Exploring Handbells, Bell Basics, and Bells in Worship, are offered as special interests arise.

Each choir has its own rehearsal and performance schedule. In addition to ringing for worship, choirs may also perform for a variety of special events at home and away.

Concerts done as annual church events include the Spirit of Christmas Concert by Spirit Ringers; the early December Saint Lucia Festival presented by all youth choirs; January’s Epiphany Festival celebrated by all voice and bell choirs; and May’s Lemonade Concert, an evening of music, fueled by popcorn and lemonade and presented by all the bell choirs.

Participation in Trinity’s handbell ministry is open to anyone who wishes to learn and make a commitment to giving good effort in rehearsals, performances, set up, take down, polish, and put away!

Trinity is a member of The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, a national organization that promotes ringing through area and national conferences and seminars, and her ringers have often attended events presented by AGEHR’s Area VIII, which includes five central states.